Haskell Stakes Field Set for Monmouth Challenge

Race Overview

The Haskell Stakes takes place on July 18 at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, listed as race 12 with a 5:45 pm ET post time. Seven three‑year‑old colts will chase a $1 million purse, and the victor earns an automatic spot in the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic. This “win and you are in” event runs a mile and an eighth on dirt and serves as a direct pathway to the Travers Stakes at Saratoga later in August. First run in 1968, the Haskell continues to attract a highly competitive field.

Key Contenders

• Star Sweeper (post 1) – trainer Louis Linder, jockey Luis Rivera, odds 30‑1. The Rock Your World son is winless in 2026 and has placed fifth at Monmouth in his last two starts, including the Pegasus Stakes on June 13. His inside post gives him only a chance to advance early, but he has not faced this level before.
• Further Ado (post 2) – trainer Brad Cox, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., odds 2‑1. After winning the Matt Winn Stakes on June 7 and the Bluegrass Stakes in April, the Gun Runner colt was a top Kentucky Derby pick but finished 11th. His stalking and early kick match Monmouth’s dirt surface.
• Baby Vino (post 3) – trainer Lindsay Schultz, jockey Jorge Vargas, odds 15‑1. The Vino Rosso son captured back‑to‑back victories, including the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth, but steps up to graded stakes for the first time. His stalking style may struggle with deeper footing.
• The Puma (post 4) – trainer Gustavo Delgado, jockey Luis Saez, odds 7‑2. This Essential Quality colt has been in the top three of all four career starts and missed the Kentucky Derby due to a minor health issue. He finished a narrow second in the Florida Derby and enters fresh with a proven jockey.
• Iron Honor (post 5) – trainer Chad Brown, jockey Flavien Prat, odds 3‑1. After a seventh in the Wood Memorial he skipped the Derby, ran second in the Preakness and has won his first two races. A solid finisher, but he may lack the kick to breakthrough the leaders.
• Napoleon Solo (post 6) – trainer Chad Summers, jockey Paco Lopez, odds 5‑2. The Preakness victor has shown a stalk‑and‑motor style and also won two races as a two‑year‑old by a combined 11¾ lengths. Recent workouts suggest he could break early and challenge for the lead.
• Ocelli (post 7) – trainer D. Whitworth Beckman, jockey Tyler Gafflione, odds 6‑1. Despite nine defeats, the Connect son has earned $829,800 and posted three straight third‑place finishes in major events. He is battle‑tested but still searching for his first win.

The Haskell promises to sharpen the picture of this elite group before the coveted Travers and Breeders’ Cup seats are claimed. Fans can expect a mix of seasoned winners, fresh contenders, and horses looking for a breakthrough as they vie for that $1 million prize and a date with the Classic.